Nature, Importance and Means of effective directing

Nature of Directing

Following are the features of directing which bring out the nature of directing.

Nature, Importance and Means of effective directing
Nature, Importance and Means of effective directing

1. Functions of management

Directing is an important managerial function that initiates organizer’s action. It involves influencing, guiding or supervising the employees in their jobs.

2. Continuous function

Directing is the essence of the practice of management. A manager never stops from directing, guiding and supervising his employees. Directing function does not end with the giving of orders and instructions. He should continuously motivate and lead them in order to get the orders and instructions executed. So directing function continues throughout the life of every concern.

3. All managers function

Directing is an all pervasive function and it is performed by all levels of management. It begins at the top
level and follows right up to the lower level of an organization. As superior every manager in the organization directs his subordinates and also receives direction from his superior as subordinate. Thus, a supervisor or the foreman must direct the workers just like chief executive is to direct his immediate subordinate managers.

4. Connecting function

Planning, organizing and staffing are only preparations that are made by an organization for performing
certain predetermined operations. Controlling means the measurement and correction of performance of activities of subordinates so as to make sure that enterprise objectives and plans devised to attain them are accomplished.

Directing, by converting plans into action and by providing performance for measurement and control acts as a connecting link between the functions of planning and control.

5. Management of human element

Directing is concerned with the members of an organization. Directing is a very difficult and challenging function because human behavior is dynamic and is influenced by complex of forces about which only very little is known.

Importance of Effective Directing

A key element in the process of management is directing. Once plans have been formulated for achieving the pre-determined goals, the organizational structure is designed and competent persons are
employed for responsible posts, the organization is ready to commence its action. However, necessary activities will begin only when a chief executive gives direction to all members of the management.

Effective direction ensures the full understanding of-

1. Aims, objectives and plans of the organization by each individual manager.

2. The organization and its elements.

3. Policies, procedures and rules under which the organization will operate, and the reasons there of;

4. Major problems that are faced by the concern and particularly what each manager can do to solve the problem; and

5. Complete and up-to-date information on significant factors such as business forecasts, changes in policies, procedures etc.

Means of Effective Directing

There are two important means of direction. They are as follows:

1. Orienting the employees

Generally new entrants are introduced to the enterprise’s environment, its present and future activities, physical facilities, the job which an employee is expected to do and its relation to other work in the concern, and the details of the employment.

However, orientation should be considered as a continuous function and employees should be constantly explained with regard to their new work, changes in enterprises activities and goals etc.

2. Issuing orders and instructions

Orders and instructions are very important in directing subordinates so that the predetermined objectives can be realized efficiently and effectively. As orders are frequently used in manager’s daily routine, it is necessary that he must have sufficient skill and knowledge in formulating and issuing them
properly.

An order should be so framed and issued that it contributes to the attainment of enterprise’s objectives. Depending upon the need of the situation, a manager may issue written orders or oral orders. When a written order is given, it forces the manager to give serious thought to the issue and can also be transmitted to all connected parties simultaneously.

Essentials of a Good Order

A good order must possess the following essential characteristics:

1. Subordinates should be able to understand it.

2. It should be stated in clear cut and unambiguous words.

3. It should be reasonable and capable of compliance.

4. It should be consistent with the objectives and policies of the enterprise.

5. It should state the time within which the work should be completed.